Given the growing demand of entry-level roles in the allied healthcare industry, a lot of people are enrolling in training programs that claim to teach them the essentials for these roles.
Amongst all of them, medical assistant training is the go-to choice for career changers. However, does one ensure that the program they are choosing can be trusted?
Well, this guide will break down the essential criteria you need to evaluate when choosing a program.
1. Check for Accreditation
If you cannot follow any other points in this guide, this is the one you shouldn’t skip. Always remember: Never enroll in a program that isn't accredited.
Why? Because if you train with a program that isn’t accredited, chances are you won’t be able to sit for the medical assisting certification exam.
What is Accreditation?
It is a seal of approval from an independent governing body that ensures that the school meets educational standards.
2. Evaluate the Curriculum Balance
Medical assistants are not just receptionists; in addition to administrative work, they also carry out clinical tasks. So, it is important that the program covers both aspects.
A trusted program must offer a balanced curriculum that covers two distinct areas:
The Administrative Side
Medical billing and coding basics.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) management.
Medical law, ethics, and HIPAA compliance.
Office management and patient scheduling.
The Clinical Side
Phlebotomy (drawing blood) and lab procedures.
Taking and recording vital signs.
Assisting with minor surgical procedures.
Administering injections and medications.
3. Inclusion of a Clinical Externship
The above point mentioned phlebotomy, taking vital signs, and more, and the reality is that you cannot learn those theoretically. Therefore, high-quality programs offer a clinical externship to ensure that you are actually ready for the real world.
NOTE: Trusted programs for medical assistant training, like the one offered by CCI Training Center, include externship costs in the tuition fee.
4. Review Career Support Services
While it is not the responsibility of the school to get you a job, helping you create a resume and preparing you for the interview is.
So, when evaluating a program, make sure to ask the following questions to the admissions representative:
Do you offer resume-building help?
Do you provide mock interview sessions?
Do they have active partnerships with local healthcare providers?
What is their job placement rate for graduates?
Remember, trusted programs take pride in their alumni and work hard to ensure their students find meaningful employment. If they hide these numbers, they aren’t worth it.
5. Transparency in Costs and Timelines
Beware of programs that are vague about their tuition fees and course timelines. A trustworthy institution will provide a clear breakdown of costs, including:
Tuition.
Lab fees and supplies.
Textbooks.
Certification exam fees (including or not).
As for the duration of the program, you should be able to get a catalog with a clear timeline. The typical duration of a medical assisting training program with externship is around 7-8 months.
Should You Choose Online OR On-Campus Training?
Well, it entirely depends on you and your requirements. If you are a full-time employee or have other commitments, it is highly recommended that you aim for online training, as it saves you a lot of time, especially on your commute.
Just keep in mind whichever learning mode you choose, your training provider covers the points mentioned above.
Endnote
Choosing a trusted training program can actually be the differentiating factor on whether you are training for the real world or just on paper.
Once again, to ensure that you are choosing a trusted program, prioritize accreditation, evaluate the curriculum, and check for a clinical externship, career services, and how tuition fees are broken down.
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